Apricot-Walnut Cereal Bars

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Prep Time: 30 min

Serves: 16

Cook Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)

Level: --

Description:

Crisp and chewy, this bar is a good-for-you alternative to store-bought cereal bars. The secret ingredient, silken tofu, will give your day a protein-packed start. The recipe also works with other fruit-and-nut combinations.

Ingredients:

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped walnuts, (about 2 ounces)

3 cups unsweetened puffed-grain cereal, such as , Kashi

2 cups chopped dried apricots

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

12 ounces silken tofu, drained (about 1 1/3 cups)

1 large egg

1/2 cup canola oil

1 cup honey

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest

Preparation:

Spread oats and walnuts on a baking sheet with sides. Bake until fragrant and light golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and add puffed cereal, dried apricots, flour and salt; stir to combine.

3

Meanwhile, puree tofu, egg, oil, honey, vanilla and lemon zest in a food processor or blender until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Make a well in the center of the oat mixture; fold in the tofu mixture until combined. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.

4

Bake until firm in the center and golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars with a sharp knife.